Page 142 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 26 February 2014
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merits to both approaches. So rather than to add to speculation, we will continue to look at this from an evidence-based point of view, from the options to determine the best course of action to ensure strong nature conservation principles and also efficient, effective and streamlined delivery of services to the community through the ACT public service.
The task brings together a large array of expertise in environmental management across the ACT. We would need to make sure we get the best result. That means shaping the organisational structure and functions of the agency around the key objectives of integration, efficiency and environmental outcomes. As I think Minister Corbell said in March, it would be irresponsible to rush the establishment of an agency by setting an arbitrary time frame or pre-determining the best organisational arrangement and hosting directorate.
I am at the moment, as I look to appoint a sixth minister, taking this opportunity to look at administrative structures right across the ACT public service. I do not think it is the best way of dealing with changes to the administrative orders to change them a bit here and then a few months later change them a bit there. The approach I have taken is that this work falls into the broader work we are looking at across government because there are, outside the environment and nature conservation, other areas in which I believe some administrative changes need to be made.
We would need be doing all of that work at the same time led by the head of the service, the newly appointed Kathy Leigh. I have already had a number of meetings with her about those broader structural changes. This is something that the government is looking at. It is one of the very few prerogatives of the Chief Minister. One of the perks of the job is actually to set the administrative orders in consultation with my colleagues. I do welcome Ms Lawder’s interest in and support for ensuring that we get the best arrangements in place, whatever model that may be, how that is structured and who may be the host of those functions.
I will continue my discussions with Mr Rattenbury. We meet frequently to discuss all matters relating to the parliamentary agreement. I think both of us remain very committed to ensuring that we deliver on the commitments that were outlined in that agreement with an overlay of more practical implementation being at the forefront of our minds. Do I need to seek leave, Madam Speaker, to move the amendment circulated in my name?
MADAM SPEAKER: No, just move the amendment. It is only one amendment.
MS GALLAGHER: I move the amendment circulated in my name:
Omit all words after “That this Assembly”, substitute:
“notes:
(1) the debate in the Assembly on 20 March 2013 in relation to the government’s consideration of establishing a single conservation agency to achieve better integration of biodiversity policy, planning, research and management;
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